Monday, November 8, 2010

"Answers Summons" - an obituary transcription for Henry C. Meinzen

I think it's particularly sad when an obituary misspells the last name of the deceased. This obituary is for my mother's grandfather, Henry C. Meinzen (as opposed to the printed "Meinzer"). It was published in The Steubenville Herald-Star on Wednesday, December 30, 1925.

AGED RESIDENT OF CITY DIES TODAYHenry C. Meinzer Answers Summons at Home of Daughter–Was 88 Years Old.

Henry C. Meinzer, aged 88, one of the city’s oldest and best known residents, died this morning at 1:25 o’clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs. George K. Harris, 1618 West Market street, following an illness of several weeks with complications of old age.

Mr. Meinzer was born in Hanover, Germany, July 25, 1837, coming to Steubenville in early manhood and making his home here over a period of fifty years. He was married to Elizabeth Armitage of this city, his wife preceding him in death five years ago. Surviving are six children, Mrs. George K. Harris, Mrs. B. R. Harshman [sic], Mrs. Charles Sticker and Mrs. Russell Rhome, all of this city. Robert Meinzer of Mineral Ridge, O.; and Henry of Youngstown. He also leaves one brother, Fred, of Hanover, Germany; 22 grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

The deceased was a carpenter and wagon maker by trade, retiring from active life only a few years ago. He belonged to the Zion Lutheran church, taking an active interest in all church activities until his last illness.

Held in high esteem by his friends and acquaintances for his many admirable traits of character and dispositoin [sic], the death of Mr. Meinzer will be heard of with deep regret throughout the city. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

About the daughters and their names:Mrs. George K. Harris was Elizabeth W., named Wilhelmina Elizabeth at birth and known to family as Mina.Mrs. B. R. Harshman was Bertha Hashman, married to Benjamin Hashman.Mrs. Charles Sticker was Lula Sticker.Mrs. Russell Rhome was Naomi Rhome.

Thanks for sharing! I understand about the misspelling. Just last night I asked a friend (our husbands are cousins, but we're the keepers of the family history!) for a copy of an ancestor's military photo for my Veterans Day post and she also sent me a few articles. He was killed in the Korean War (conflict...police action...whatever! :)) and they spelled his surname wrong. Coyemberg instead of Cayemberg!

About Me

Sometimes I want to jump back in time, into the lives of my ancestors. Not to stay, of course -- too many modern conveniences I'd rather not do without -- but to meet them and watch their interactions with each other. Since I can't do that, I spend time learning about them and the times in which they lived. I look forward to meeting them. I've been seriously searching for my ancestors for nearly 8 years. I plan to continue indefinitely.
If you think we might have ancestors in common or you'd like to contact me for any other reason, please email me at myancestorsandme @ gmail.com.